Whiteshoes: Bio

Alex Smith - Guitar, Vocals

Alex "Whiteshoes" Smith is the real thing. Whether your hearing him play in a small club, a big concert hall, or a huge outdoor festival, you won't think of the blues in the same way after you see this young man. "I grew up listening to my dad's James Brown albums and BB King records", Alex says. He got his chops from many talented musicians, most notably, Michael Coleman, who has become part of his family. "He teaches me how to lead a band, how to play the blues, how to deal with woman, and whatever problems I encounter", Alex states. Attending Michael's jam at Bobby Rockets every Sunday for over two years has taught Alex how to put on a full length show. Even using Michael's name and his own persistance, Alex, thanks also to Tony Coleman, had the pleasure to meet BB King in 2008. "I tipped my hat and thanked him for everything he has done", Alex recalls. The Whiteshoes name comes from Kenny J of the Bluewagon band out of Milwaukee from when Alex had a short stint in the Bluewagon band. They separated when Alex was hungry to start his own thing again. Now that he's got his own thing he plans to take things to new heights with his funky blues. "I'm going to play my guitar until the day I die", he states, and after seeing him again and again you'll see the truth of it. Alex is currently attending UW-Waukesha college getting his general education credits taken care of and has been accepted to McNally Smith school of Music in St. Paul Minnesota and Columbia College in Chicago. The future is impossible to predict for anyone but one thing is certain, the world isn't going to be in short supply of blues anytime soon.

Alex also wants to thank the following people:

Charles Walker - for allowing me to sit in with his band countless times and for telling me stories, and for his friendship.

Misha - for showing me guitar tricks and for being like a big brother.

Robert Allen Jr. - For helping me so much with business of things and for being like a big brother.

And for all the other people who have helped in so many ways: Merle Perkins, Jared James Nichols, T-Man, Keith, Eichers, Graham and Steven, Harvey, Bob, Censkys, Aaron Williams, Mike Neil, and all you other people know who you are who have helped.

Most Importantly, all my family and the lord.

Graham Bintliff - Drums

Graham Bintliff has been playing the drums for 11 years. His influences string from many different styles of music including the Police, Steve Jordan (the Verbs), Dave Matthews Band, and many more musicians. Graham has played in many bands around the area, and has went on tour with his former band Sanstereo, which is now history. Now he has found work with some very enthusiastic musicians around the area and is now working on some other projects besides White Shoes, so he can keep his chops up. Graham has been learning the blues and funk from funky Michael Coleman, Larry the Legend, and Donnie Mac, Mike Neil, Boom Boom, and he has taken great strides so far. He is 22 and currently resides in Greenfield, and his parents John and Judy Bintliff have been a big support in his musical endeavors.

Michael Coleman

He'll be helping us with some gigs playing bass when Steven's not there. Check it out, having fun.

Donnie Mac

He'll be playing some bass with us when Steven can't make it. Plays some keys too.

Steven Martin - Funky Bass Player

Steven Martin, originally from Wisconsin, first got his hands on a bass when Alex was looking for a bass player for a school contest. Steven was learning guitar at the time but once he switched to bass, he had found his instrument. He is an avid learner and stubborn negotiator who can play his bass with more feel than people who have a lifetime of experience. Steven currently attends the University of Wisconsin Madison and is working on an Enginneering Degree. Working his way onto the Madison music scene, Steven will impress anybody he plays for. Steven has gained advice from top professionals such as Michael Coleman and Merle Perkins (drummer for Eddy Clearwater). Bottom line, with a rhythm section of Steven Martin and Graham Bintliff, Alex just has to get the notes right and look good, not too hard.